INTERNET POLICY—MITCHELL PUBLIC LIBRARY—REVISED 5/13/03

AMENDED: 4/14/09

Nature of the Internet:  The Mitchell Public Library has no control of the Internet and its resources, and assumes no responsibility for the quality, accuracy, or currency of any Internet resource.  The Internet may contain material of a controversial nature.

Staff assistance: Staff provides limited assistance for basic start up procedures.  The Mitchell Public Library is not responsible for any loss of information or damage occurring as a result of patron use and will not assist patrons who wish to use the Internet for any commercial business, retail transactions, or the filling of income tax. 

Time limits: 30 minutes per day per patron, 60 minutes for word processing. Patrons may have longer if they are taking an on-line course or taking an exam on-line.  Patron must sign up at the front desk.  The Internet is available to patrons until 30 minutes prior to closing.  Computers will be held for 10 minutes. If the patron is late, the computer will be given to someone else.  If at the end of the 30-minute time-slot, the Internet computer has not been reserved, the patron may be allowed to continue on until the computer is reserved by another patron.  A patron may be allowed back on the Internet a second time if the terminals are not in demand. This will be left to the discretion of the library staff.

Printing:  B & W copies are 10 cents per side, color copies are .25 per side..  All printing must be completed within the 30-minute time slot.

Downloading: Patrons may download to storage devices such as flash drives. The library is not responsible for loss or damage to personal disks when downloading. 

E-mail:  The library does not offer electronic mail accounts.  Patrons may download their e-mail if they know the address of their private e-mail accounts. 

Internet use:  Only 2 patrons per terminal at a time.  Other patrons will not be allowed to “hover” over current Internet users.  Patrons may not use personal software, alter existing configurations or attach equipment to existing hardware.
Any patron caught loading viruses into library computers will face criminal prosecution and will be financially responsible for labor (at the current rate) and parts if necessary in restoring the library’s computer back to its original configurations. The Library will not host personal web sites. 

Ethical use.  Internet may only be used for legal purposes.  Unacceptable uses include but not limited to are: the harassment of other users, logging into chat rooms except for educational purposes; sending, receiving, or displaying of graphics to or from any Internet web site that posts a warning stating the materials are for persons over the legal age.  No access to web sites. by minors that require a minimum age of 18 to enter. No adult web sites – this includes pornography sites.  Any person caught viewing adult or pornography web sites. and whether they have signed up for the Internet or are sitting with a person signed up for the Internet, will have their Internet privileges permanently revoked.  No foul language, destruction or damage of equipment or software belonging to library; unauthorized copying of copyright-protected material.

Statement Of Responsibility.
1. I have read the policies concerning the use of the Mitchell Public Library’s Internet Policy and agree to abide by the policies.
2. I agree to pay any repair or replacement costs of equipment or software damaged by myself or by minors for which I am responsible.
3. I understand that the library is not responsible for any damage to personal disks due to system malfunction, or any other reason.
4. I understand that copyright laws restrict duplication of copyrighted software, and I will follow all copyright laws.
5. I understand that if I fail to abide by the Internet Policy, I will lose eligibility for use of the Library’s Internet computer.

Signature____________________________________________ Print name:____________________________
                               
                                                                                                        Date:_________________________________
For Patrons under the age of 18:
As the parents or guardian of ______________________________, I give permission for my minor to use the Internet computers at the Mitchell Public Library, with the understanding that I am responsible for monitoring their appropriate use of the Internet computers and that I am responsible for any damage that may occur.

Parent’s signature_________________________________________Date____________________